Back to the casting board. Actor Christian Bale has exited the upcoming Steve Jobs biopic shortly before filming is due to begin.

The Hollywood Reporter confirmed on October 23rd that Bale had been chosen for the lead role of the late Apple cofounder. The movie, based on Walter Isaacson’s best-selling book Steve Jobs and written by screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, has been in the works since 2011. Originally set to be directed by David Fincher, the project saw Danny Boyle taking over in early April. Rumored lead actors included Leonardo DiCaprio and Ben Affleck, but in October Sorkin admitted that, “We needed the best actor on the board in a certain age range, and that’s Chris Bale. He didn’t have to audition.”

Unfortunately, the Hollywood Reporter claims Bale himself decided he was not right for the part. Their sources report it was a decision fraught with “much deliberation and conflicted feelings.” Official contract negotiations had not been set but Bale was due to meet with Boyle this week to discuss the film.

None of the involved parties have commented formally on the news.